O word that heart and soul alarms!
Ye mortals, mark his bidding, what behind it lies!
Ye have both Law and Gospel message with purpose sore offended
And therefore ought ye not delay
To pray with grief and worship.(1)

3. Aria (A)

Forgive, O Father, all our sin
And even still with us forbear,
As we in worship pray now

And ask thee: Lord to thy command,
(Ah, speak no more in figures now),
Help us much more be faithful!(2)

Must I be so troubled?
For if Jesus loves me,
Is my ev'ry grief
Sweeter e'en than honey,
Countless dulcet kisses
Plants he on my heart.
And whenever pain appears,
His dear love doth turn to gladness
Even bitter sadness.(4)

1. The recitative responds to the words of Jesus as though to a reproval.
In context Jesus continues: "Ask, and ye will receive, that your
joy may be full."